Need help with shooting approaches

[Deathcoffin]

Ok i set up an IFR flight from point A to point B with GPS. After reaching point B with my auto pilot on GPS, i loaded up approach proceduce from the GPS and activated it. Now, what should i do? I need help on the list of steps to getting it done right because i got it all wrong and my plane basically flys around like a mad dog. By the way im on an airbus if that helps.

[rservice]

Make sure you switch to NAV from GPS on the autopilot panel, and have the correct ILS frequency on the NAV 1 radio. Also make sure you are on the intercept vector, and your approach is below the glideslope altitude.
Ron

[Deathcoffin]

How do i know whats the correct nav1 frequency to use? Anyway to get the frequency? And another thing about the autopilot settings. Should i use Nav hold or approach hold and when should i use it after activating my approach procedures from the GPS.

[DWPhan]

If you're shooting an ILS or Localizer approach switch the NAV/GPS switch to NAV and hit the Approach Hold function of the autopilot before you intercept the localizer or GS. It should capture both. Make sure you're pretty much set-up before the FAF (usually around 4 or 5 nm out from the runway). If you're shooting a GPS approach leave the NAV/GPS switch on GPS and adjust your altitudes via the AP or manually with the autopilot providing lateral guidance.. it's really helpful to have the appropriate chart if you choose a GPS approach in order to get the stepdown fixes right.

EDIT- to get the right frequency to use go the Map View and find the correct approach to the airport you're using or you can go online and download real approach plates that have all the info on them.

[Deathcoffin]

Thanks for the tips so if im using GPS as my approach should i also use approach hold?

[Deathcoffin]

Someone please run me through a step by step scenario please i just cant get it right. My plane is circling the runway like a maddog

[Captain America]

Using the FS map view, go to the destination airport and get the
ILS freq for the runway you want to land on. That freq is found
by clicking on the airport itself, or hovering your mouse over the
green ILS feather.

Put that freq into the NAV 1 radio.

Fly to the destination airport with autopilot on. Be sure GPS/NAV switch in in the NAV position, hit the APP button and everything should go as described in previous answers. Make sure you are not too high and too fast when you approach the runway. These are 2 most commons reasons ILS doesn't work when you have done everything else correct.

I've never used the GPS to do a ILS approach and landing?

[Deathcoffin]

I was doing the exact same thing as you are saying but as i hit the app button the plane either flies round the runway or flies nowhere.

Okie im gonna list down a scenario of what i did and tell me if i did wrong.

I have taken off. Gears up flaps up. NAV/GPS switch to GPS. I then hit on Autopilot master and NAV1 hold. I see my plane fly along my pre-planned GPS IFR route. Apon reaching my destination. I tune radio to NAV1 and the runway frequency. I then make sure the frequency is on active. Then i change from GPS to NAV and hit on approach hold and see my NAV1 hold goes off. Then i waited to see what happens and all it does is going crazy round the airport or going straight to nowhere.

Heres another scenario using the GPS only. Same as above but instead of tuning the radio apon reaching my destination, I hit on the procedure key on the GPS. Loaded and activated my approach plan. I then hit on approach hold and see my Nav1 going off while in GPS mode. The plane then flies along the approach path and thats it.

[DWPhan]

You cant just approach the airport from any direction and intercept the localizer. You need to set up an intercept angle (usually from 20-60 degrees) so that you can make a nice transition onto the final approach course. If you use the default ATC they will most likely vector you so that you intercept the localizer at such an intercept angle if you're on a filed IFR flight plan.

EDIT- and the airplane wont climb or descend to follow the glideslope if you have the NAV selection set on the AP and the NAV/GPS switch on GPS. It wont provide vertical navigation for the approach. Hope this all helps!

[Captain America]

Make sure you are pretty much lined up with the runway, about 10-15
miles out at about 3000ft. You have to approach the ILS system at a
reasonable angle and below the glide slope. The above numbers are
just a starting point, you can alter them as needed. Look at the
green ILS feather on the map and line up with it, BEFORE you hit
the APP button.

I think your problem is that you are approaching at too great an
angle for the system to engage and you are probably too high and too
fast. Watch the Glide Slope indicater on the panel. you should
intercept the GS from below, if you engage it and then find yourself
above the GS you are going too fast. Adjust your speed on stay on
the GS.